Preoperative assessment of the individual anatomy of the superior petrosal vein complex using balanced fast field echo magnetic resonance imaging

BackgroundHere, we sought to examine the validity and reproducibility of balanced fast field echo (bFFE) for assessing superior petrosal vein (SPV) complex (SPVC) anatomy.MethodsPreoperative bFFE or equivalent scans and operative videos were studied and directly compared with regard to the individual anatomical features of SPVCs and their relation to the operative field. The anatomical details of the bFFE findings of the non-operated side (group 2) of all 50 patients were then reviewed, including the presence of petrosal-galenic anastomosis, and finally compared to the operated SPVCs (group 1).ResultsA complete correlation between bFFE and intraoperative findings was observed in 62% of cases and had a significant correlation with 3 Tesla magnet strength and higher pixel bandwidth (r(bis) = - 0.47; p = 0.005). The sensitivity and specificity of bFFE magnetic resonance imaging were 93.7 and 95.2%, respectively, for detecting an SPV disturbing the operative field, and 97.3% and 95% for a disturbing tributary, respectively. Each group had 50 SPVCs, with a total of 70 and 64 SPVs, 10 and 11 general SPVC configurations, as well as 29 and 28 different individual anatomical variations in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Both groups had 1-3 SPVs with a similar distribution of frequencies [Chi-square (4) = 27.56; p = 0.0145 (Fisher's exact test)]. The similarity of the general configurations was not statistically significant. The same four predominant configurations constituted 80% of the SPVCs in each group. The vein of the cerebellopontine fissure was most frequently found in 86% and 88% of cases, and a petrosal-galenic anastomosis was seen in 38% and 40% of groups 1 and 2, respectively.ConclusionsIndividual SPVC variations are extensive. Good quality bFFE or equivalents are feasible for preoperative SPVC assessments. However, methods improving vascular visualization are recommended.